Art and Memory Intersect at Featherstone

Windemere Nursing Rehabilitation Center and local art galleries have teemed up for a second year to to create a safe environment for those struggling with memory loss. The month-long program, Art & Memory, is a joint effort by Windemere, , the and the The first session takes place Thursday, April 28 and meets weekly through May 26.

Local artist Nancy Cabot, who heads the watercolor group at Howe’s House and Windemere’s Art Club, will lead the program.

"Our experience with the fall session was incredibly positive and we hope to continue this great program for many more seasons to come," said Featherstone's assistant director Emme Brown.

Participants' stages of memory loss varies, but, according to Brown, there is a great amount of respect among them. "Art is so abstract that no matter where you are mentally or what you have to say about it, you can be right," said Brown.

For five weeks, about 10 participants will meet on Thursday mornings from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the studio at Featherstone. They will participate in both "art-looking" and "art-making" sessions. During art-making sessions, participants will work with a variety of mediums: collage, print, watercolor or sculpture. During art-appreciation sessions, participants will discuss their feelings about art. 

“We understand the fear that comes with the onset of memory challenges, and art has the potential to allow the individual to become immersed in an experience that is familiar, calming and restorative,” said Mary Holmes, Windemere’s Memory Care program director. 

Art & Memory is free of charge and open to the community.  To register individuals and their caregivers, contact Holmes at the Windemere Nursing and Rehabilitation Center at 508-862-1933.